Today, with more mobile phones than people on Earth, any savvy foreign policy recognizes the power of this small device to do good or evil in the world. Gone are the days when rebels and reformers fought only using guns and physical bombs; this portable machine is as important as any as weapon.

The focus of the media attention during the president's visit was the historic invitation to be the honored guest at India's Republic Day -- a first for the U.S. However, what got little notice was something the president left behind, something that will likely contribute to the biggest transformation for the poor in India.

Beyond being digital, what does Bitcoin have in common with electronic money and financial inclusion generally? At this point, there seem to be more differences than similarities and it's important not to conflate electronic money with the virtual currency.

When people trust digital means of payment people start going "cash-lite." That's why mobile money is spreading in a number of developing economies, and why 40 percent of Americans now typically carry less than $20 cash in their wallets.

Three years ago I blogged "Is Financial Inclusion Imminent in India?" I have just returned from India after observing the progress India has made towards financial inclusion. Yes, there has been progress, but much remains to be done.

In the aftermath of the global crisis, public opinion in the North is less convinced of the merits of an inclusive financial system. How, exactly, does it help, when the reckless expansion of mortgage credit in North America just triggered the deepest recession in recent memory?

Jordan is a relatively stable country in a very bad neighborhood. If that stability can continue, the intelligence, optimism, passion and entrepreneurism I experienced while there will accelerate and, perhaps, things will become slightly less complex. And, maybe, the neighborhood will improve.

Projects to pay government benefits and humanitarian aid in electronic form are a boon. They increase security and accountability while decreasing cost. Until now, however, such projects have been isolated, with no worldwide, deliberate, coordinated push.